Rolling over, sitting, taking first steps and smiling are exciting moments for parents. These exciting moments are also considered developmental milestones and let us know that children are developing. Because all babies are different, they rarely do the same thing at exactly the same age. As a result, it's not unusual for parents to have questions or concerns about their child's development. You may wonder:

Why isn't my child crawling?

Why can't anyone understand what my child is saying?

Are my child's eyes working correctly?

When should my child begin to eat solid food?

Why can't my child play alone?

As a parent, you know your child best. If you are concerned that your child is not making progress or that the progress is slow, talk with your pediatrician or make a referral to Family Centered Early Supports and Services.

Family Centered Early Supports and Services

New Hampshire participates in The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act Part C program, referred to in NH as Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS). FCESS is program for Infants and toddlers ages birth to 3 who qualify for early intervention services under one of four categories; at-risk for developmental delay, developmental delay, established condition or atypical development. A child must be referred to Early Supports and Services and the referral can come from anyone, it does not have to come from your child's physician.

After the referral is made, the next step is to have the child assessed. During the assessment process, a child's motor skills, communication development, learning skills, social interaction and emotional development are fully evaluated. Once completed, and the child is found eligible, an Individualized Family Support Plan is developed for the child and the family. By working Closely with parents, family centered early supports and services ensure that both services, formal and informal, and community supports are brought together to meet each child's unique needs and the needs of their families.

You can also contact your local Watch Me Grow center. Watch me Grow is a screening and referral system for NH families ages birth to six. It combines state and local resources to provide families with information about child development, conduct screenings using Ages and Stages Questionnaires for their children and make referrals to the appropriate state and local resources. Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), are developmental and social-emotional screenings. They are designed for children ages 1 month to 5-1/2 years of age and help identify strengths and concerns as well as educate parents about child development. For more information about Watch Me Grow, or to request an Ages and Stages Questionnaire, contact your local Watch Me Grow Site. View our list of Watch Me Grow Sites and Family Resource Centers.

Additional NH Family Resources

Autism Society of NH - The Autism Society of New Hampshire is a non-profit organization consisting of individuals with ASD, families, professionals, friends, and community members.

Family Support - is a website from NH Children's Trust to help you locate a family support program near you. You may do a simple search by city/town. Advanced search options let you search by 1) county, and/or 2) type of program and/or 3) name of agency. As this website develops there will be more options. The results will give you a list of agencies meeting the selected criteria. If you mouse over the list of programs that the agency offers, a description of that program type will pop up. Users can connect with the agency's website, contact a person (if we have it in the database), call the person/agency, map the agency location, and/or report a problem with the listing.

Home Visiting NH - Home Visiting New Hampshire (HVNH) is a preventive program that provides health, education, support and linkages to other community services for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women and their families in their homes.

NH Association of Infant Mental Health - a statewide organization that disseminates information and provides education about research and evidence-informed practices to strengthen collaborative efforts in support of families with infants and young children.

NH Childcare Resource and Referral - To educate and support families, providers and the community regarding child care issues. This program seeks to ensure that families are receiving consistent, high quality consumer education and referral services.

NH Family Voices - NH Family Voices operates a "Family To Family Health and Education Center" with one to one phone assistance, educational materials, a Lending Library and quarterly newsletter. NH Family Voice participates in several projects, each with a specific focus on different ways we can help families to become informed, experienced, self-sufficient advocates for their children and themselves.

NH Special Medical Services - Special Medical Services, the New Hampshire Title V Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs, administers health programs and services for children ages' birth to 21 years, who have, or are at risk for, a chronic medical condition, disability or special health care need.

Parent Information Center - Provides information and training on Early Supports and Services and Special
Education for families who have a child with a disability.

Spark NH - New Hampshire's government appointed Early Childhood Advisory Council website. It is a private-public partnership that works to create a comprehensive coordinated system of programs and supports for young children and their families. Find information on child development, training opportunities, programs and services as well as links to NH early childhood agencies and organizations.

Know Your Rights

Families receiving Family Centered Early Supports and Services have rights that are governed by IDEIA Part C. It is important that families of children receiving Family Centered Early Supports and Services understand these rights. Below you will find additional resources including the Know Your Rights Handbook and a Powerpoint Presentation that provides additional clarification. If you have specific questions regarding your rights, please contact your Service Coordinator or FCESS provider.